What is a Model?
Model Example Model garments or other apparel and accessories for prospective buyers at fashion shows, private showings, or retail establishments. May pose for photos to be used in magazines or advertisements. May pose as subject for paintings, sculptures, and other types of artistic expression.
Model Responsibilities
- Assemble and maintain portfolios, print composite cards, and travel to go-sees to obtain jobs.
- Inform prospective purchasers about models, numbers, and prices of garments, the garments’ designers, and where garments can be purchased.
- Report job completions to agencies and obtain information about future appointments.
- Make many quick changes backstage during fashion shows and yet maintain poised appearance before audiences.
- Wear character costumes and impersonate characters portrayed to amuse children and adults.
- Follow strict routines of diet, sleep, and exercise to maintain appearance.
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What a Model Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Models say are important on the job.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Art Model
- Male Model
- Agency Director
- Spirits Model
- Undraped Artist Model
What Kind of Model Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 4,800 jobs in the United States for Model. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Model. There will be an estimated 800 positions for Model per year.

The states with the most job growth for Model are Washington, Alaska, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in Iowa, Ohio, or Idaho. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Model
Models make between $18,320 and $49,140 a year.

Models who work in Florida, New Jersey, or Ohio, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Models in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Arizona | $24,050 |
California | $43,810 |
Florida | $51,370 |
Illinois | $27,110 |
Maryland | $34,110 |
Massachusetts | $35,330 |
New Jersey | $55,110 |
New York | $34,720 |
Ohio | $39,860 |
Oregon | $34,770 |
Pennsylvania | $39,090 |
Tennessee | $20,190 |
Texas | $19,560 |
Virginia | $26,230 |
What Tools & Technology do Models Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Models may use on a daily basis:
- Web browser software
- Tumblr
Becoming a Model
What education or degrees do I need to become a Model?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Models?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

References:
Image Credit: Qfamily via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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